A graduate of the former Catanduanes State Colleges Elementary Laboratory School who is now studying in Kansas, USA, was recently honored with a membership in the prestigious National Society of High School Scholars.

Dame Andrea Templonuevo, a student of Wichita South High School, was notified of the good news by NSHSS founder and chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, last July 8. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment.

“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that Dame Andres has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Mr. Nobel. “Dame Andres is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

NSHSS President James Lewis said the Society’s vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities. “We aim to help students like Dame Andrea build on their academic successes and enhance the skills and desires to have a positive impact on the global community.”

Membership in NSHSS entitles qualified scholars to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, publications, participation in programs offered by educational partners, personalized recognition items, and publicity honors. There are more than 830,000 Society members in over 160 countries.

Born in 1995 in the Republic of Nauru, Dame Andrea is the daughter of David and Melchi Templonuevo of Baras and Pandan, Catanduanes. After graduating from the CSC Elementary Laboratory School, she attended Brooks Technology and Arts Magnet Middle School in Wichita.

At Wichita South High School, she is a member of the Honors Society, the South High Chamber Orchestra, Wichita City Youth Symphony Orchestra, South Central Kansas Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Kansas State Youth Symphony Orchestra. Her father, whom she calls Mr. T, says Dame Andres wants to take up nursing and then proceed to medicine.